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Knifed in the back

November 15, 2011

I've had a dodgy back for somewhere between 4 and 6 years - can't remember when it started coz these things don't always have an exact beginning.

Anyway - I thought I'd been doing a really good job of managing it, especially considering we moved 3 months ago. So when it flared up again roughly 6 weeks ago, I was so incredibly pissed off as I couldn't see what had triggered it. In true Reinsey style, instead of listening, I pushed through, ignoring the increasing numbness and then pain in my left leg.

To cut a looooooong story short, I actually went to the GP (rare for me) and he ordered an MRI on my lower back. I had this done on Monday 31/10. Mum and I had a quick look at the pics and thought holy crap, there's something in there. Go back to the GP on Wednesday morning and I'm sent immediately to Monash hospital. By this time my left leg is completely useless and the sensation (or lack thereof) is spreading across my body as well. Freak out meter = 5/10 but I still drive myself to hospital. As you do!

See a neurosurgeon and I'm on the list for surgery first thing in the morning. Riiiiiiight. So can I go home now, promise I'll come back in the morning? Nooooooooo. Freak out meter = 7.5/10.

I was so unprepared for this I barely had any charge left on my phone and work - oh God - there was so much I had to get done!

So here I am 11 days post-op and feeling better than I have in years. I can't sit down for more than 3 x 20 minute sessions a day. The rest of the time I have to be on my feet or flat on my back. But not too long on my back or scar tissue will form. Not too long on my feet either. I've just begun working a few hours a day standing at my PC, but man o man am I dying to go out shopping for browny-greeny-white things!!

Turns out the nerves were completed compressed from a severely bulging disc and they performed a laminectomy on my L5/S1.

The best part...my tramp stamp is still virtually intact.

I've been so blessed to have been visited by some incredibly special people (you know who you are). A HUGE thank you for keeping my spirits up (and for the grouse house mags Kylie). Mum & Loz - you're both amazing :)

Oh NO Reinsey that is horrible so glad you are feeling better now, Janine did mention it to me, and i having been meaning to come past, but i havent had a chance yet with everything going on, i promise i will as soon as i can!!